Paraeducator Head Start

Wyoming Child; Cheyenne (WY); On-site; USD 20,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Wyoming Child and Family Development, Inc. is seeking a paraeducator for our Head Start program in Cheyenne.

The role involves supporting the Lead Teacher, preparing materials, and delivering individualized activities to children aged 3 to 5, with the aim of social competence and school readiness. Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, and a Child Development Associate Credential to be obtained within a specified period.

Qualifications

• Must have HS diploma or GED and be 18+.
• CDA credential within specified time frame with support from WCFD.
• Additional trainings/certifications may be required by Wyoming Child and Family Development, Inc.
• WCFD accepts only accredited degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Responsibilities

• Recruit children for the program following DHHS and WCFD guidelines.
• Deliver and adapt lesson plans in individual, small, and large group settings.
• Provide direct services to children and families in various settings.
• Communicate positively with staff, children, and families.
• Support IFSP/IEP goals in collaboration with team.
• Keep classrooms clean, organized, and safe.
• Provide basic first aid and routine hygienic care.
• Assist with outdoor and playground activities.
• Perform tasks as assigned by the Board or designee.

Skills

Age 3-5 handling

Developmentally appropriate

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Calm under pressure

Flexibility

Bilingual preferred

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Child Development Associate Credential

Additional training/certifications

Accredited degrees per US DoE

Tools

N/A

Job description

\"This institution is an equal opportunity provider\u201D

PARAEDUCATOR HEAD STARTJOB DESCRIPTION

25 hours a week

176 days a year

Base Pay Rate: $15.59

Job Summary

In this role, you will help create a safe and supportive environment for children from three to fiveyears old, where they can explore, learn, and build trusting relationships. You will work with the Lead Teacher to get materials ready and set up the classroom. You will also provide individualized care to meet the needs of each child and family in our Head Start (HS) program with the overall goal of social competence and school readiness for each child.

All duties will comply with Head Start/Early Head Start standards, DFS licensing, NAEYC guidelines, Wyoming Division of Disabilities regulations, and WCFD policies. All employees will adhere to the mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures of WCFD.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Recruit children for the program in accordance with guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services and WCFD.
• Implements set lesson plans, as directed, in individual, cooperative, small and large group settings.
• Deliver direct services to children, families, and staff in various settings regardless of weather conditions.
• Communicate positively with staff, children, and families through both verbal and nonverbal methods.
• Work effectively with children who have behavioral concerns, developmental disabilities, and/or learning impairments.
• Assist in organizing and implementing group socialization activities for children and families.
• Complete all required paperwork accurately and on time.
• Provide individualized educational activities to help children explore, develop problem-solving skills, and build self-confidence.
• Support Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) and/or Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals in collaboration with teachers, family support providers, and therapists.
• Keep classroom areas clean, organized, and safe.
• Assume full classroom responsibilities when needed.
• Perform minor first aid and routine hygienic care.
• Provide regular care to children, including diaper changes, feeding, and comforting.
• Participate in child screenings as necessary.
• Assist with outdoor and playground activities.
• Ensure ability to perform job functions safely, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Board or its designee.
• Adhere to all policies, guidelines, and operational procedures set forth by Wyoming Child and Family Development, Inc.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Must demonstrate the ability to work effectively with children ranging from threeto fiveyears old, including those with special needs, and their families.
• Should demonstrate an understanding of developmentally appropriate practices and early childhood education principles.
• Must possess strong problem-solving skills and the ability to follow both written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are required to collaborate with a diverse range of individuals and personalities.
• Strong communication skills are essential to interact with staff, children, families, and the broader community.
• Must have effective stress management strategies and the ability to maintain composure in challenging situations.
• Flexibility is key; the ability to adapt to changing daily routines is required.
• Bilingual candidates are preferred.

Education and Experience

• Must have a High School Diploma or a G.E.D. and be 18 years of age (state requirements).
• Must obtain a Child Development Associate Credential within a specified time frame. Training and support will be provided by WCFD.
• Must attain additional training or certifications, which may be required by Wyoming Child and Family Development, Inc.
• WCFD will only accept college degrees from accredited institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with disabilities. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to read technical materials for extended periods of time.
• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods without fatigue or discomfort.
• Must be able to travel to various sites, meetings, and training sessions, both in-state and out-of-state.
• Must be willing to drive safely in a variety of weather conditions.
• Capable of hearing and processing both in-person and telephone conversations.
• Must be able to work in a variety of temperatures, including hot and cold weather.
• Ability to work in air-conditioned buildings and under fluorescent lighting.
• Must be able to climb stairs, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or reach, to retrieve materials and supplies from ground level to a height of at least 5 ft.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to assist children in emergency situations and provide first aid when needed.